National Human Rights Commission of Thailand

Summary

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is established under Sections 246-247 of the Constitution of Thailand B.E. 2560 (2017) and the Organic Act on the National Human Rights Commission B.E. 2560 (2017). It consists of seven commissioners selected by a selection committee and appointed by the King on the recommendation of the Senate (requiring a supermajority vote), each serving a single non-renewable 7-year term; removal requires Senate address for cause. The NHRC investigates human rights violations and abuses by all state entities including the Royal Thai Police and Department of Corrections. It may summon documents and witnesses (compel documents only, not sworn testimony), inspect places of detention, and may — under Section 36 — file petitions to courts on behalf of victims or file cases to the Constitutional Court. Findings are advisory: the NHRC refers remediation recommendations to the relevant agency, the Cabinet, or the National Assembly. The NHRC has no power to impose discipline on officers directly. It publishes annual reports to the National Assembly and the public.